Storage apparatus for automobiles

ABSTRACT

A storage enclosure includes a base including a top panel extending transversely from a front panel. The base is attachable to a load deck of an open deck vehicle such that an enclosed space is defined by the front and top panels and the load deck. The base includes mounts within the enclosed space that are attachable to a bracket for attaching the base to the load deck. The top panel includes side portions that extend from opposite ends of the front panel, and a removable cover panel is disposed between the side portions. A cage is mounted to the base that defines a cage compartment above the top panel. The cage includes legs that extend through the base and are engaged by locking elements to removably secure the cage to the base. The cage includes frame segments that are releasably connected to one another by release pins.

RELATED APPLICATION INFORMATION

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/032,018 filed on Dec. 18, 2001 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,607,201. Thepriority of the prior application is expressly claimed, and thedisclosure of the priority application is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to storage enclosures forvehicles, and more particularly to storage enclosures that are mountableto a load deck of an open deck vehicle, such as a jeep, sport utilityvehicle, or other truck.

BACKGROUND

Open deck vehicles, such as jeeps and pickup trucks, include a load bedor open load deck in which articles may be stored and/or transported.One of the problems with such open load decks is that articles stored inthem are exposed, and therefore may be subject to theft or unauthorizeduse. To increase security, bed covers are available that may be extendedover the load bed, e.g., of pickup trucks. Alternatively, containers,such as tool chests and the like, may be mounted or otherwise placed inthe load bed for storing tools or other articles.

In addition, enclosures are available that may isolate all or a portionof the load deck to provide a secure storage area in the load deck. Suchenclosures generally include an “L” shaped panel that may be installedgenerally in close proximity to a tailgate of the vehicle. With thetailgate open, the interior of the enclosure may be accessed to store orremove articles. With the tailgate closed, articles may be securelystored within the enclosure.

Accordingly, storage enclosures for open deck vehicles would beconsidered useful.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to storage enclosures that aremountable to a load deck of an open deck vehicle, such as a jeep, sportutility vehicle, or other truck, the load deck generally being definedby a floor, side walls, and a tailgate.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, a storageenclosure apparatus is provided that includes a base including a frontpanel and a top panel extending transversely from the front panel. Thebase may be attachable to a load deck such that an enclosed space is atleast partially defined by the front and top panels. The enclosed spacemay be further defined by a floor, side walls, and/or a tailgate of theload deck after the base is installed within the load deck.

The base may include one or more mounts on the front panel and/or thetop panel that are disposed within the enclosed space. Each mount may beattachable to a bracket for attaching the base to the load deck. In apreferred embodiment, the mount includes a slot and a hole extendingtransversely through the slot, the hole being configured for receiving apin therethrough for securing a portion of a bracket received in theslot.

The apparatus may also include a bracket including first and secondportions extending transversely relative to one another. The firstportion may be attachable to the mount such that the second portion maybe mounted to a load deck of a vehicle. Preferably, the second portionof the bracket extends generally parallel to the top panel for attachingthe second portion to a floor of a load deck of a vehicle. Morepreferably, the bracket is an existing bracket for mounting otherequipment to the load deck, such as a passenger seat. Alternatively, thebracket may include a foot and/or one or more claws for securing themount to an existing floor mount in the load deck.

In one embodiment, the top panel may include side portions that extendfrom opposite ends of the front panel, thereby defining an openingtherebetween for accessing the enclosed space. The top panel may alsoinclude a cover panel disposed between the side portions, and preferablyremovable from between the side portions. A tongue or a groove may beprovided on the side portions and/or the cover panel for supporting thecover panel between the side portions. Preferably, the side portions andthe cover panel include cooperating tongues and grooves for slidablyinserting the cover panel between the side portions to attach the coverpanel to the base. Alternatively, the cover panel may be connected tothe base by one or more hinges, e.g., along the top of the front panel,to allow the cover panel to be lifted to access the enclosed space.

For additional stability, optionally, the side portions of the top panelmay include mounts for securing to the side walls of the load deck.Alternatively, the base may include side panels extending from sideedges of the top panel along opposite edges of the front panel, therebyfurther defining the enclosed space. The side panels may include mounts,e.g., apertures therethrough, for attaching the base to side walls ofthe load deck.

The apparatus may also include a cage mounted to the base such that thecage defines a cage compartment above the top panel. The cage mayinclude one or more hubs or legs that extend into a preferably throughthe base into the enclosed space. A locking element may be provided forengaging each leg within the enclosed space to substantially secure thecage to the base. Preferably, the locking elements, such as pinsreceived through the legs, are disengageable from the legs. Thus, thelegs, and consequently, the cage, may be removable from the base whenthe locking elements are disengaged from the legs for separating thecage from the base. Alternatively, the base may include top mounts orbrackets to which the cage may be permanently or removably secured.

In one embodiment, the cage may include first and second frame portionsat least partially defining the cage compartment therebetween. The legsmay extend from the first and second frame portions through the base.Preferably, the first and second frame portions include side framesdisposed opposite one another, e.g., above side portions of the base.The cage may also include a front frame, a rear frame, a top frame,and/or a bottom frame extending between the side frames, thereby furtherdefining the cage compartment.

One or more of the frame segments may be releasably connected to oneanother, for example, by one or more release pins. One or more locks maybe provided for preventing respective release pins from being released,thereby securing the frame segment to at least one of the first andsecond frame portions. In a preferred embodiment, the locks may includea lock housing for encasing the respective release pin, therebypreventing access to the respective release pin.

Other objects and features of the present invention will become apparentfrom consideration of the following description taken in conjunctionwith the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a storageapparatus including a base and a cage, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 2A-2C are side, front, and top views, respectively, of the storageapparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the base of the storageapparatus of FIG. 1, including base subassemblies and a cover panel.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are perspective views of one of the base subassembliesshown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of a load deck of an open deck vehicle inwhich the base of FIG. 3 is mounted.

FIG. 5B is a detail of a mount of the base of FIG. 5A being secured tothe load deck using a bracket.

FIG. 6 is an exploded view of the cage of FIG. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Turning now to the drawings, FIGS. 1-6 show a preferred embodiment of astorage enclosure apparatus 10, in accordance with the presentinvention. The apparatus 10 may be securely installed within a load deckof an automobile, e.g., an open deck vehicle, such as a jeep, sportutility vehicle, pickup truck, and the like (not shown). Generally, theapparatus 10 includes a base 12 that may be installed within a loaddeck. The apparatus 10 may also include one or more brackets and/orfasteners (not shown) for attaching the base 12 to the load deck. Inaddition, the apparatus may also include a cage 70 that may be mountedto the base 10. Thus, a storage enclosure apparatus in accordance withthe present invention may provide one or more compartments for carryingand/or storing articles in a load deck of a vehicle, as describedfurther below.

Generally, the base 12 includes a front panel 14 defining an upper edge16, a lower edge 18, and opposing side edges 20. A top panel 22 extendstransversely from the upper edge 16 of the front panel 14 such that thefront and top panels 14, 22 at least partially define an enclosed space24. In addition, the base 12 may include one or more mounts 26 forsecuring the base 12 to a load deck of a vehicle (not shown), andpreferably a pair of mounts 26 (best seen in FIG. 3), e.g., forincreasing stability and strength of the base 12. The mounts 26 mayextend from an interior surface 16 a of the front panel 14 and/or aninterior surface 22 a of the top panel 22. Preferably, the mounts 26extend away from the top panel 22 along the interior surface 14 a of thefront panel 14 towards the lower edge 18 of the front panel 14. Thus, asbest seen in FIGS. 2A and 3, the mounts 26 are preferably disposedwithin the enclosed space 24, which may enhance security of the base 12,as described further below.

With particular reference to FIG. 3, the top panel 22 may include sideportions 28 that extend transversely from the front panel 14 at oppositeends of the upper edge 16, thereby defining an opening 30 between theside portions 28 communicating with the enclosed space 24. Preferably,the side portions 28 are substantially permanently fixed relative to thefront panel 14. More preferably, the side portions 28 extendsubstantially perpendicularly from the front panel 14, thereby generallydefining an “L” shape when viewed from the side, as best seen in FIG.2A. Alternatively, the side portions 28 may include side panels (notshown) that extend from the respective side edges 20 of the front panel14, thereby further defining the enclosed space 24. In a furtheralternative, the side portions 28 may include additional mounts 31,e.g., integrally molded flanges or separate brackets (not shown) forfurther securing the base 12 to a load deck of a vehicle (not shown).

The top panel 22 may also include a removable cover panel 32 that may bedisposed between the side portions 28 to cover and/or substantiallyclose the opening 30. The cover panel 32 may include one or more inlaidfeatures, for example, indented or protruding ribs 34 on its top surface36 and/or on its bottom surface (not shown), e.g., to enhance astructural integrity of the cover panel 32. In addition oralternatively, the cover panel 32 may include other nonstructuralfeatures, such as cup-holder pockets, inlaid trays, handles, and thelike (not shown), on the top surface 36 and/or the bottom surface.

The side portions 28 may include grooves 38 for receiving side edges 40of the cover panel 32 to support the cover panel 32 between the sideportions 28. Alternatively, the side portions 28 and the cover panel 32may include mating connectors for limiting movement of the cover panel32 relative to the side portions 28. For example, the cover panel 32 andthe side portions 28 may include complementary tongues and grooves, tabsand slots, and the like (not shown) for allowing the cover panel 32 tobe slidably inserted between the side portions 32.

With a front edge 42 of the cover panel 32 disposed adjacent rear ends44 of the side portions 28, the tongues and grooves may be aligned, andthe cover panel 32 inserted across the opening 30 until the front edge42 abuts the front panel 14. Optionally, the front edge 42 of the coverpanel 32 and the top edge 16 of the front panel 14 may also include acomplementary tongue and groove (not shown) that may mate with oneanother when the cover panel 32 is fully inserted between the sideportions 28 for added security and/or structural support.

The cover panel 32 may be configured to be inserted between the sideportions 28 in a single orientation, i.e., with the top surface 36directed upwardly away from the enclosed space 24. Alternatively, thecover panel 32 may also be insertable between the side portions 28 in an“upside-down” configuration (not shown), which may expose inlaidfeatures on the bottom surface for particular uses. In addition, thecover panel 32 may be securable at an intermediate location, e.g., suchthat the cover panel 32 extends partially beyond the rear ends 44 of theside portions 28 to provide a table top (not shown).

In a further alternative, the cover panel 32 may be connected to anotherportion of the base 12 by hinged connections (not shown). For example,one or more hinges may be provided between the upper edge 16 of thefront panel 14 and the cover panel 32. Alternatively, rounded and/orelongate curved tabs and mating apertures (not shown) may be provided onthe side edges 38 of the cover panel 32 and/or on the inner edges 40 ofthe side portions 28. One or more shock absorbers or other dampeners(not shown) may be provided to control opening and closing of the coverpanel 32. Thus, the cover panel 32 may be securely received between theside portions 28 to cover the opening 30 and protect or securely storearticles within the enclosed space 24, but may be easily removed, e.g.,upon opening a tailgate of the vehicle, as described further below.

With particular reference to FIGS. 3, 4A, and 4B, the base 12 may beprovided as one or more assemblies formed from materials, such asplastic, e.g., LLDPE or HDPE, fiberglass, metal, and the like. Forexample, the base 12 may be manufactured using conventional injectionmolding, extruding, rotomolding, and/or sheet metal fabricationtechniques. The front panel 14 and side portions 28 may be formed as asingle component including the mounts 26. The cover panel 32 may then beformed as a separate component, including any inlaid features, tongues,grooves, and the like, formed therein, e.g., during molding.Alternatively, the base 12 may be provided as a single assembly, e.g.,with the cover panel 32 substantially permanently attached to the frontpanel 14 and/or side portions 28 such that the cover panel 32 is notremovable.

In another embodiment, best seen in FIG. 3, the front panel 14 and sideportions 28 of the base 12 may be manufactured as a plurality ofsubassemblies, e.g., each being separately molded or extruded. Dividingthe base 12 into subassemblies may facilitate manufacturing, handling,and/or shipping, as compared to a base 12 formed as single component(not shown). Preferably, the front panel 14 is divided in half along acenterline of the base 12, and the base 12 is manufactured assymmetrical opposite hand base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b.

Connectors may be provided on respective mating surfaces 50 of the basesubassemblies 46 a, 46 b that may used to secure the base subassemblies46 a, 46 b together when being assembled into the base 12 shown in FIG.1. For example, as best seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the base subassemblies46 a, 46 b may include one or more flanges 48 a-48 c extending from themating surfaces 50. Alternatively, the mating surfaces 50 may includemating tabs and slots, tongues and grooves, and the like (not shown),that may be interlocked with one another in addition to or instead ofthe flanges 48.

During assembly, the mating surfaces 50 may be butted against oneanother, and the flanges 48 aligned with one another. Fasteners, e.g.,bolts, screws, and the like (not shown), may be introduced through holes49 in the flanges 48 to attach the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b to oneanother. Alternatively, an adhesive or other bonding material may beused between the mating surfaces 50 of the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 bin addition to or instead of the connectors and/or fasteners describedabove.

Optionally, with particular reference to FIGS. 2B and 4A, one or morestorage compartments 52 may be attached to or otherwise mounted withinthe base 12. For example, the storage compartment 52 may includemounting brackets or flanges (not shown), and one or both of the basesubassemblies 46 a, 46 b may include complementary flanges 54. Thestorage compartment 52 may be inserted into a space defined between thebase subassemblies 46 a, 46 b, either before or after assembling thebase subassemblies 46 a, 46 b. Fasteners, such as bolts or screws (notshown) may be inserted through the flanges and/or brackets to secure thestorage compartment 52 in place. Thus, the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 bmay be attached directly to one another with the storage compartment 52attached to one or both of the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b.

Alternatively, the storage compartment 52 may be provided in acompartment panel 53 (see FIG. 2B) that is disposed between the basesubassemblies 46 a, 46 b. The compartment panel 53 may have a heightsimilar to the height of the front panel 16 of the base 12. The matingsurfaces 50 of the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b may be attached torespective surfaces (not shown) of the compartment panel 53, therebyassembling the base 12 into the configuration shown in FIG. 23.Preferably, the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b and the compartment panel53 have a combined width that corresponds to a width of a load deck of avehicle into which the base 12 is installed, as will be appreciated bythose skilled in the art.

The storage compartment 52 may include a door that may be latched and/orlocked to securely store articles within the storage compartment 52.Alternatively or in addition, one or more storage compartments (notshown) may be mounted elsewhere into the base 12, e.g., into the frontpanel 14 and/or the top panel 22.

Turning to FIGS. 5A and 5B, the base 12 may be installed into a loaddeck 102 of a vehicle 100, such as a jeep, a sport utility vehicle, apickup truck, and the like (not shown). Generally, the load deck of thevehicle includes a floor 104, side walls 106, and a tailgate 108. Anysubassemblies, such as the base subassemblies 46 a, 46 b, may beattached to one another, as described above, to assemble the base 12.The base 12 may be placed in the load deck 102 with the front panel 16oriented towards the front of the load deck (towards the front of thevehicle), and the rear ends 44 of the side portions 28 oriented towardsthe tailgate 106 (towards the rear of the vehicle).

One or more brackets 60, and preferably a pair of brackets 60 (only oneshown in FIG. 5B) may be used to install the base 12 within the loaddeck 100. Generally, each bracket 60 includes a first leg portion 62 anda second base portion 64. The base portion 64 may include features formounting the bracket 60 to the floor 104 of the load deck 100. Forexample, the base portion 64 may extend transversely relative to the legportion 62. The base portion 64 may include slots or holes 65therethrough for mounting the bracket directly to the floor 104 of theload deck 102. Thus, installation may involve drilling holes into thefloor 104 of the load deck 100, whereupon fasteners, e.g., screws orbolts, may be fastened through the base portion 64 and the floor 104 tosecure the bracket 60 in place.

In a preferred embodiment, however, the bracket 60 is an existingbracket that is already mounted to the load deck 102, therebyeliminating any need for drilling holes in the floor 104. For example,brackets 60 may already be available in the load deck 102 for installingother equipment, such as passenger seats (not shown).

Alternatively, the bracket 60 may be a custom bracket (not shown) havinga predetermined configuration such that the bracket may be attachedbetween an existing floor mount (not shown) and a corresponding mount onthe base 12. For example, the load deck may include a pair of floormounts, each including a “U” shaped base and one or more rods or othercross-members extending between arms of the base. The bracket mayinclude a base portion including one or more hooks or claws that may bereceived at least partially around the cross-members to secure thebracket to one of the floor mounts. The bracket may include a latch fordisengaging one or more of the hooks from the floor mount to allowremoval of the bracket from the floor mount. The bracket may include aleg portion for connecting to the mount 26 on the base 12.

Thus, the bracket(s) 60 may be secured to the floor 104, and each mount26 on the base 12 may then be aligned with a corresponding bracket 60. Apin or other fastener 66 may be used to secure the leg portion 62 of thebracket 60 to the mount 26. Preferably, the mount 26 includes a slot 27for receiving at least a segment of the leg portion 62 therein, and themount 26 and the leg portion 62 may include holes 25 through which thepin 66 may be inserted.

If additional stability or security is desired, the base 12 may befurther secured to the load deck 102 of the vehicle 100. For example,the side portions 28 may include the side mounts 31 for attaching theside portions 28 to the side walls 106 of the load deck 102. Bolts andthe like may inserted through apertures in the side mounts 31 andsecured to side walls (not shown) of the load deck 102. Alternatively,the side portions 28 may include side panel extensions (not shown) thatextend downwardly, e.g., generally towards the lower edge 18 of thefront panel 14. The side panel extensions may include holes or slots(not shown) for receiving fasteners therethrough for attaching to theside walls 106. Alternatively, fasteners may be drilled, tapped, orotherwise inserted directly through the side portions 28 into the sidewalls 106.

When the base 12 is installed within the load deck 102, the lower edge18 of the front panel 14 may abut or otherwise be in close proximity tothe floor 104 of the load deck 102. The side portions 28 may extendalong the side walls 104 and may be contoured to conform to the existingshape of the side walls 104, e.g., to accommodate wheel wells, and thelike. Preferably, the height of the base 12 is such that the top panel22 is relatively flush with a top of the side walls 104. Thus, the base12 may substantially isolate at least a portion of the load deck 102between the front panel 14 and the tailgate 108.

The cover panel 32 (not shown in FIG. 5A; see FIG. 1) may then beinserted between the side portions 28 and the tailgate 108 of thevehicle 100 closed. The tailgate 108 may abut or otherwise engage therear ends 44 of the side portions 28 and/or the rear edge 42 of thecover panel 32, thereby preventing the cover panel 32 from being removedunless the tailgate 108 is open. Thus, a secure enclosed space 24 may bedefined by the front and top panels 14, 22 of the base 12, together withthe floor 104, side walls 106, and/or tailgate 108 of the load deck 102.Any articles (not shown) placed within the enclosed space 24 may beaccessed by opening the tailgate 108. In addition, because the mounts 26(and the optional side mounts 31) are located within the enclosed space24, the mounts 26 may not be accessed except via the tailgate 108. Thus,the base 12 may not be removed from the load deck 102 or tampered withunless the tailgate 108 is open, thereby enhancing the security of theapparatus 10.

Turning to FIGS. 1 and 6, the apparatus 10 may also include a cage 70that may be mounted to the base 12 such that the cage 70 defines a cagecompartment 71 above the top panel 22. Generally, the cage 70 includes aplurality of frame segments that are mountable to the base 12 and/or toone another. For example, the cage 70 may include side frames 72 thatinclude a plurality of hubs or legs 74 extending downwardly from theside frames 72. The legs 74 may include annular rings 76 or other radialextensions at a predetermined distance relative to ends 78 of the legs74. The legs 74 may also include holes 80 therethrough adjacent the ends78.

The base 12, e.g., each of the side portions 28, may include holes 29therethrough (shown in FIG. 3) that are spaced apart similar to thespacing between the legs 74. The legs 74 may be inserted into the holes29, thereby mounting the side frames 72 above respective side portions28 of the base 12. Preferably, the ends 78 of the legs 74 extend throughthe base 12 and into the enclosed space 24. The annular rings 76 maylimit insertion of the legs 74 such that the side frames 72 are disposedat a predetermined height above the side portions 28 of the base 12,while allowing the ends 78 of the legs 74 to be exposed within theenclosed space 24.

Pins, or other locking elements, e.g., bolts, screws, and the like (notshown), may be inserted through the holes 80 in the legs 74 forpreventing the legs 74, and consequently the side frames 72 from beingremoved from the base 12. Because the pins are inserted through the legs74 within the enclosed space 24, the cage 70 may be substantiallysecured to the base 12. If the pins are removable, the side frames 72may be separated from the base 12 only upon having access to theenclosed space 24. As described above, access to the enclosed space 24may be only be attained by opening the tailgate, thereby ensuring thatunauthorized persons cannot gain access to the enclosed space 24 and/orremove the cage 70 if the tailgate is closed and/or locked.

Alternatively, the cage 70 may be secured to the base 12 by brackets ortop mounts (not shown). For example, one or more brackets (not shown)may be provided on the top panel 22 to which the legs 74 or crossbars ofthe side frames 72 may be permanently or removably secured.

With the side frames 72 secured to the base 12, other frame segments maybe mounted to the side frames 72 to define the cage compartment 71. Forexample, front and rear frames 82, 84 may be mounted between front andrear edges 86, 88, respectively, of the side frames 72, as shown inFIGS. 1 and 6. In addition, a top frame 90 may be mounted between topedges 92 of the side frames 72 to substantially enclose the cage 70.Optionally, a bottom frame (not shown) may be mounted between the sideframes 72 to provide a bottom of the cage compartment 71 in addition tothe top surface 36 of the cover panel 32.

The frame segments, e.g., the front, rear, and top frames 82, 84, 90,may be releasably connected to the side frames 72 or substantiallypermanently attached to the side frames 72. For example, the front andrear frames 82, 84 may be attached by cooperating tabs and slots (notshown). The tabs may extend from the front and rear edges 86, 88 of theside frames 72 and the slots may be formed into ends 94, 96 of the frontand rear frames 82, 84. The ends 86, 88 may be received over the tabsuntil the tabs are engaged within the slots, thereby connecting the ends86, 88 to the side frames 72. Alternatively, release pins (not shown)may be used to secure the ends 94, 96 of the front and rear frames 82,84 to the front and rear edges 86, 88 of the side frames 72,respectively, either instead of or in addition to the tabs and slots.

In a further alternative, the top frame 90 may be pivotally mountedbetween the side frames 72. For example, if the top frame 90 isconnected using release pins (not shown), one set of release pins may bedisengaged, and the top frame 90 may be pivoted about another set ofrelease pins to access the cage compartment 71.

Optionally, if additional security is desired, a lockable cover 91 (seeFIG. 1) may be provided that may wrapped around a connection between theside frames 72 and a corresponding frame segment. For example, the cover91 may encase a release pin (not shown) and/or a corresponding portionof a frame segment to prevent access to the pin. The cover 91 may belockable in a closed position, e.g., by an attached lock, therebypreventing the pin from being withdrawn or otherwise disengaged from thecorresponding frame segment.

Thus, a storage enclosure apparatus in accordance with the presentinvention may provide increased security for storing articles within aload deck of an open deck vehicle. In addition, because a cage inaccordance with the present invention may be mounted to a surface of avehicle, e.g., above the enclosed space defined by the base, the cagemay increase the available storage capacity of an open deck vehicle,e.g., without having to stack articles on top of one another.

While the invention is susceptible to various modifications, andalternative forms, specific examples thereof have been shown in thedrawings and are herein described in detail. It should be understood,however, that the invention is not to be limited to the particular formsor methods disclosed, but to the contrary, the invention is to cover allmodifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spiritand scope of the appended claims.

1. An apparatus for carrying articles in a load deck of an open deckvehicle, the load deck being defined by a floor, side walls, and atailgate, the apparatus comprising: a front panel defining an upper edgeand a lower edge; a top panel extending transversely from the upper edgeof the front panel, the front and top panels at least partially definingan enclosed space therebetween; a mount extending from the front panelwithin the enclosed space; and a bracket comprising a first portionsecured to the mount, and a second portion extending towards the loweredge of the front panel, the second portion being attachable to a loaddeck of a vehicle for attaching the apparatus to the load deck, wherebythe load deck further defines the enclosed space.
 2. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the top panel comprises side portions extendingtransversely from opposite ends of the upper edge of the front panel,thereby defining an opening between the side portions for accessing theenclosed space.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the top panelfurther comprises a removable cover panel disposed between the sideportions.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein at least one of the sideportions and the cover panel include a tongue or groove for supportingthe cover panel between the side portions.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4,wherein the side portions and the cover panel include cooperatingtongues and grooves for slidably inserting the cover panel between theside portions.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the cover panel ismovable from a closed position substantially covering the enclosed spaceand an open position for providing access to the enclosed space via theopening.
 7. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the side portions comprisemounts for attaching to side walls of a load deck of a vehicle.
 8. Theapparatus of claim 7, wherein the mounts comprise side panels extendingfrom the side portions generally towards the lower edge of the frontpanel, the side panels comprising apertures for receiving fastenerstherethrough for attaching to side walls of a load deck of a vehicle. 9.The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a cage secured to the basesuch that the cage defines a cage compartment above the top panel. 10.The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the cage comprises a plurality of legsextending into a portion of the top panel for supporting the cage abovethe top panel.